Mati Temple: Grotto Complex Carved into Sheer Cliffs
Mati Temple, or Matti Si, is located in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Gansu Province, 65 kilometers north of the urban area of Zhangye City. It is a tourist area that integrates grotto art, the scenery of the Qilian Mountains, and the unique customs of the Yugur ethnic group. For tourists who want to explore the history and culture of the Silk Road, involving Mati Temple into your Silk Road travel is a perfect choice.
Facts about Mati Si (Mati Temple)
- Location: Sunan Yugu Nationality autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu, China
- Opening Hours: 08:30-18:00
- Type: Landmark; Scenic Area; Grottoes
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Recommended Visiting Time: 4 hours
- Tickets: 73 yuan per person
Brief Introduction to Mati Temple in Gansu
The Mati Temple Grottoes are located in the Hexi Corridor. They are the fourth-largest grotto temple complex in Gansu Province, together with the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the Maijishan Grottoes, and the Bingling Temple Grottoes. These splendid grottoes, rich in cultural connotation, are precious attractions along the Silk Road.
Legend has it that a deep horse hoofprint was found inside a grotto on the mountain top, which is said to be the mark of a divine horse. That is how Mati Temple got its name. Today, when people talking about Mati Temple, they usually refer to the Mati Temple Grottoes complex. The complex includes seven grotto clusters and monasteries: Jintasi (Golden Pagoda Temple), Upper, Middle, and Lower Guanyin Caves, Qianfo Cave (Cave of a Thousand Buddhas), and the Northern and Southern Temples.
Mati Temple History
The history of Mati Temple has not been smooth sailing. Due to wars and the changes of dynasties, the originally grand architectural complex of Mati Temple Grottoes was mostly destroyed in the flames of war. Particularly during the Cultural Revolution, the grottoes, murals, and Buddha statues in the temple were almost completely destroyed.
Fortunately, after the reform and opening up, the restoration and reconstruction of Matisi Temple have enabled it to regain its former splendor. Today, visitors to Mati Temple can admire the ancient architecture and exquisite stone carvings, and feel the weight of history and the depth of culture.
What to See & Do in Zhangye Mati Temple
What to See in Mati Temple
Qianfo Cave (Thousand Buddha Cave)
During the Northern Dynasties, a large number of grottoes were concentrated in the Qianfo Cave, which is located on a cliff about three kilometers away from Mati Temple and is an independent attraction. To the north of Qianfo Cave stand stone pagodas, and grottoes are found to its south and middle sections.
Many of the caves contain Buddha niches and statues. The architecture of Qianfo Cave is highly distinctive, featuring typical Indian-style wooden eaves, which bear some resemblance to the famous Hanging Temple in Shanxi. Qianfo Cave is one of the must-see attractions of Mati Temple.
Guanyin Caves
Surrounded by shrubs and forests, this area is extremely tranquil. The three caves, namely the Upper, Middle, and Lower Guanyin Caves, are built on three separate stone peaks and arranged in different positions—upper, middle, and lower.
The Upper Guanyin Cave is about 3 kilometers north of Jintasi (Golden Pagoda Temple). Here, the peaks overlap, the cliffs are steep, and few people visit. These three groups of grottoes, each occupying a unique spot, are spread across a rugged cliff that stretches for about five kilometers, each with its own unique charm.
Shengguosi
Matisi’s South Temple, also known as Shengguosi (Victorious Fruit Temple), was built during the Ming Dynasty. When the temple was completed and its name was to be reported to the emperor by an imperial envoy, the court had just received good news of a military victory in the south. The emperor was in high spirits and bestowed the name Shengguosi upon it.
Jintasi
Jintasi (Golden Pagoda Temple) is an important part of the Mati Temple Grottoes, a national key cultural relics protection unit. Since its creation during the Northern Dynasties, it has a history of over 1,600 years and is one of the earliest Buddhist grotto temples carved in the Hexi region, as well as in the Central Plains and the Northwest.
What to Do in Mati Temple Grottoes
Immerse in the Serene Natural Landscape
Matisi Grottoes have more than just the grotto art. The ecological beauty is also a highlight. Located in the Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve, the grottoes is surrounded by mountains, with dense forests, lush water and grass, and a pleasant climate. Glaciers, snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands complement each other. One of the main tourist areas, the Qilian Mountain grassland, has been rated as one of the Six Most Beautiful Grasslands in China by China National Geography magazine.
Experience Horse Riding
Horse riding is undoubtedly a must-try when visiting Mati Temple during Silk Road Trips in China. Ride on horseback across the highland grasslands like the children of the Yugur ethnic group. The scenic area has a dedicated area where visitors can experience this, and you can even wear traditional Yugur ethnic clothing, which looks very impressive.
How to Get to Mati Temple from Zhangye
Buses passing by the Mati Grottoes can be found at Zhangye South Bus Station. On weekdays, there is one round-trip bus service per day. However, you will have to walk 5 to 7 kilometers to reach the scenic area after getting off the bus. Therefore, It is advisable to hire a car for the entire journey, which will cost around 260 yuan.
Best Time to Visit Mati Temple
June to September is the best time to visit Matisi Grottoes. Zhangye has a continental climate, characterized by dryness and scarce rainfall. So January is the coldest month and July is the hottest. June to September each year is the best season for traveling Zhangye throughout the year. It is also a great time to visit the Danxia National Geopark to admire the colorful Danxia landforms.
How to Visit: Recommended Matisi Visiting Route
It’s better to get to Mati Temple in the morning. Yuu can spend the first two hours exploring the core area of the North Temple, including the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes, the Horse Hoof Hall, and the Buddha Hall. After a short break, walk or take a vehicle 1.5 kilometers south to the Qianfo Cave area to visit the dense cluster of grottoes carved during the Northern Dynasties, with a focus on the Medicine Buddha Hall and the cliff-face pagoda. The murals here are relatively well-preserved.
For lunch, dine at the scenic area restaurant or a Yugur tent. You can taste local specialties such as hand-grabbed mutton, butter tea, and roasted barley flour (tsampa). Have a brief rest, and then drive to the South Temple area to pay homage to the Gesar King Hall, which features Tibetan Buddhist architectural style.
Before night, return to the entrance of the scenic area and participate in the activities in the Yugur tent. For example, you can try on traditional costumes, learn to sing folk songs, or purchase hand-embroidered accessories.
Recommended Silk Road Trips with Mati Temple
- 9 Days China Silk Road Hexi Corridor Tour
- 9 Days In-Depth Northwestern China Silk Road Tour
- 5 Days Zhangye and Badain Jaran Desert Tour
Helpful Travel Tips for Mati Temple
- Ticket: The all-inclusive ticket is 74 yuan (peak season), and an additional special cave ticket for Jintasi (Golden Pagoda Temple) costs 300 yuan, which needs to be booked three days in advance.
- Note: The passage of the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes is steep. You’d better travel light in backpackers.
- Best spots for photograph: The top-level viewing platform of the Thirty-Three Heavens; the corner of the Linsong Waterfall boardwalk; and the prayer flag array in front of the King Gesar Hall.
Nearby Attractions
- Zhangye Danxia Geological Park: One of the Seven Most Beautiful Danxia Landscapes in China. It features the most typical Danxia landforms in the arid northern regions of China.
- Kanglexiao Grassland: A fairyland just 60 kilometers away from Zhangye. It is renowned for its rich natural landscapes and profound cultural heritage.
